Category Archives: Announcements
Advisory Board Approves Hybrid Ratification Vote & Welcomes New Treasurer
The EEA Advisory Board met this evening and took action on several important items affecting our Association.
Hybrid Voting Approved for June 25 Ratification Vote
The Advisory Board approved the use of a hybrid voting system for the Tentative Agreement Ratification Vote on Thursday, June 25.
Members will have the option to vote:
- Online through the secure Simply Voting platform, or
- In person during the scheduled voting hours.
This approach provides members with greater flexibility while ensuring a secure, confidential, and accessible voting process.
Please watch your personal email for important voting information. Tomorrow or Wednesday, members will receive an email from Simply Voting containing their unique Elector ID and Password, along with instructions for casting their ballot online. Members planning to vote in person should also review the information in that email.
Welcome, Victoria Caldwell!
The Advisory Board unanimously confirmed Victoria Caldwell as the Association’s new EEA Treasurer following the resignation of Paul Kothe, who recently stepped down from the position.
Victoria will serve the remainder of Paul’s term, which extends through the 2026–2027 school year.
We appreciate Victoria’s willingness to step into this important leadership role and look forward to working with her as she begins her service to the Association.
At the same time, we extend our sincere thanks to Paul Kothe for his dedicated service as Treasurer. His commitment to EEA and its members is greatly appreciated, and we wish him all the best.
Treasurer Audit Scheduled
As part of the transition between treasurers and in accordance with EEA governance practices and OEA recommendations, a subcommittee of the Advisory Board will conduct the Association’s Treasurer Audit on Wednesday, June 24.
The committee will review and reconcile the Association’s financial records to ensure an accurate transition of financial responsibilities. We appreciate the Advisory Board members who volunteered to assist with this important work and thank OEA Labor Relations Consultant Linda Repko for providing guidance throughout the audit process.
Thank you to everyone who continues to volunteer their time and leadership in support of the Elyria Education Association. Together, we continue to strengthen our Association and serve our members with transparency, accountability, and professionalism.
EEA Bowling Social Brings Members Together at Cookies 10 Pin
The Elyria Education Association wrapped up the school year with strikes, spares, laughter, and plenty of team spirit during the EEA Bowling Social held Friday, May 22nd at Cookies 10 Pin.
The event brought together EEA members from across the district for an evening focused on connection, camaraderie, and celebrating another successful school year. Members enjoyed bowling, food, raffles, and the opportunity to unwind together outside of the classroom before the start of summer break. As Sophia shared afterward, “This was a fun way to relax and have fun! I enjoyed talking and hanging out with everyone. Plus the food was great!”
Thank you to all of the teams who came out and showed incredible enthusiasm and team spirit throughout the evening. Congratulations to the “EHS Ballers” for taking home the championship title, and a special shoutout to Brian Burge for bowling the high game of the night with an impressive 181!
Beyond the competition on the lanes, the evening highlighted what makes the EEA strong: the relationships and sense of community among members. Jenn Smith reflected on the importance of spending time together outside of work, saying, “One of the reasons we love our jobs is the people we work with and this was a great way to spend time with them in a relaxing atmosphere! I haven’t laughed that hard in quite awhile!”
That feeling of connection was echoed by many attendees throughout the night. “We had a great time! They really made it feel like a community!” Hannah shared following the event.
The event also served a greater purpose beyond fellowship and fun. Through raffle donations and member participation, the EEA raised over $200 for the OEA Fund, helping support advocacy efforts for public education and educators across Ohio.
Social events like these continue to strengthen relationships across buildings and departments while creating opportunities for members to connect in meaningful ways outside of the school day. As Mel noted, “These are great times together and these times are how we grow as a union and as colleagues.”
The EEA would also like to thank everyone who helped organize and support the event, as well as Cookies 10 Pin for hosting us.
As the school year comes to a close, we hope all EEA members have a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved summer break. We look forward to continuing to create opportunities for members to connect during the 2026–2027 school year!
EEA Honors Two Outstanding Seniors with 2026 Scholarships
On Thursday evening, May 21, 2026, the Elyria Education Association proudly recognized two exceptional Elyria High School seniors during the Elyria High School Community Scholarship Awards Ceremony. The EEA awarded two $750 scholarships to students whose future plans reflect a deep commitment to serving and supporting young people through education-related careers.
This year’s recipients were Emma McLaughlin and Emily Harding, both of whom demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, compassion, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of students.
Emma McLaughlin plans to attend Cleveland State University to study Integrated Social Studies Education for grades 7–12. In her scholarship essay, Emma shared her desire to return to Elyria City Schools as an educator and give back to the community that helped shape her. Inspired by her mother, an Elyria High School English teacher, Emma wrote about the importance of building strong relationships with students and continuing to grow as an educator throughout one’s career.
Emily Harding will attend Bowling Green State University, where she plans to major in Exercise Science with a focus on physical therapy and athletic training. Emily hopes to eventually become a school physical therapist, combining her passion for working with children with her interest in health and wellness. In her essay, Emily reflected on how her experiences in gymnastics, coaching young athletes, and recovering from injuries helped shape her goal of supporting students both physically and emotionally within a school setting.
The Elyria Education Association is proud to support students who embody the values of education, service, perseverance, and community. Congratulations to Emma and Emily on this well-deserved recognition, and best wishes as they begin the next chapter of their educational journeys.
Roster Verification Update
Thank you to everyone who has completed thier Roster Verification and assisting other members with completing their forms. Your efforts are making a real difference!
So far, 277 of approximately 500 members have been verified.
Current Verification Rates by Building
- Administration: 83%
- Eastern Heights Campus: 50%
- Eastern Heights Elementary: 61%
- Eastern Heights Middle: 61%
- Early College: 0%
- EECV: 26%
- EHS: 45%
- Ely: 39%
- Hamilton: 68%
- Northwood Campus: 83%
- Northwood Elementary: 100%
- Northwood Middle: 51%
- Westwood Elementary: 68%
- Westwood Middle: 58%
Celebrating Milestones
Congratulations to Northwood Elementary!
They are the first building to hit 100% verification and will be treated to coffee and doughnuts for their members!
☕ The next two schools to reach 100% will also earn a coffee and doughnut celebration for their building—so let’s keep the momentum going!
Deadline Reminder
Our goal is 100% verification across all buildings by September 30th.
Together, we can make it happen. Let’s keep supporting one another and ensure every member is verified on time. Click here to complete your Roster Verification.